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What up, pores? It's been a while since I've tended to you guys, which explains why you're looking rather bloated and blackhead-laden. I don't want to use my fingers to squeeze and probe at you. A safe and reliable pore vacuum should do the trick! (You should talk and listen to your skin, haven't you heard?) In all seriousness, pores and blackheads can feel like a mystery. You don't know what's inside of your pores and they have a mind of their own. There are products out there made specifically for shrinking the size of pores (opens in new tab) and removing pores and blackheads, like cult-loved Biore Pore Strips (opens in new tab) ($6) and various acids that exfoliate the skin. (opens in new tab) But if you put aside strips and salicylic acid, the next I'm-not-playing-around skincare step is a pore vacuum, also known as a blackhead removal vacuum.
How do pore vacuums work?
Pore vacuums are designed to remove blackheads, as well as the excess oil and build-up that clogs pores. Most pore vacuums also feature different modes that lift the skin while penetrating products deeper into your moisture barrier. Dermatologists consider pore vacuums safe—as long as you use the correct settings and don't let them linger on one part of your face for too long.
Before you use any cleansing device, properly cleanse your skin to prep your pores and pull out a face steamer if you have one to open your pores even more—a steamy shower is a cheat code.
What do dermatologists say about pore extraction?
For extremely clogged pores, skip the vacuum and go straight to the dermatologist. According to Joshua Zeichner, MD: "The thing is, you really do need a very skilled professional, like a reputable dermatologist, to properly extract clogged pores. If you use incorrect pressure, or go in at the wrong angle, you easily disrupt the integrity of your follicles, leading to inflammation and breakouts."
Ahead, our favorite pore vacuums.
Play dermatologist and turn your bathroom into an in-office treatment room with this microderm device. Each disk offers a different level of intensity to offer a deep exfoliation that will do away with rough patches, acne scars, and blackheads. Designed for all parts of the face and body, the soft suction also aims to up cell turnover for better skin elasticity and smoothness. Yes, the Elite version is a little pricey—FYI, the Classic pick, later on this list, is half the price—but one reviewer raved: "I was so excited to get this newest version and it has exceeded my expectations!"
You've heard the praise and read the rave reviews, but does this pore-busting product live up to the hype? The answer is yes, coming from a skincare skeptic who has tried it. Here's why: The swiveled spatula works in two modes, extract and infuse. The extract mode pushes out gunk from your pores, like excess oil and blackheads, while the infuse mode penetrates products deeper into the skin, like your go-to serum or moisturizer, past the skin's barrier. The result is nearly invisible pores.
You'll want to show off this tool on your bathroom counter thanks to the cute marble packaging. Plus, the wet-dry combination means that you can use it in the shower if you're short on time. One reviewer wrote: "Okay so I’m a makeup artist and I’m hugggeee on having a clean surface to apply my makeup to, and I thought I was doing a great job until I used MIO and saw how much gunk was left behind in my pores!!! This miracle product is a must have in your routine."
There are a few factors that make this affordable rose gold device noteworthy. For starters, five suction settings, four replaceable probes, and a gentle heating mode to leave skin more supple. The less expensive options on this list may have stronger and less elegant engineering, so be mindful to move the device quickly over your skin—lingering could be too strong for some complexions.
This sleek white tool from Nurse Jamie is designed to clean your skin while unclogging your pores. It aims to make the rest of your skincare routine work better, since it allows all of your serums and tonics to penetrate deeper into the skin.
For just $30, this little tool is the ultimate 2-in-1—pore vacuuming meets dermabrasion, depending on what your skin is crying out for. It functions as a dermabrasion tool, but when you add a filter and suction cup (it comes with 20, but you can order more), it'll vacuum up all that gunk in your pores to boot. Reviewers note to make sure you keep moving it along your face so not to damage your skin.
This new kid on the block has a few features to recommend itself. Namely, the metallic tip on one of the suction probes that can work to provide a mini-facial, stimulating blood flow and collagen production.
The less-bells-and-whistles version of the Elite version, this device from PMD has less speed and suction options, but still gets the job done. One reviewer raved: "My skin has never felt so breathable, smooth and refreshed."
This microdermabrasion wand is designed to be gentle on the skin, so it's great if you have sensitive skin. The customizable suction shape means. that you won't feel it tugging on your skin.
This pore extractor features a targeted tip that's made for you to gently glide across the skin in circular motions—just be careful to not work it across one area for more than three times—for a deep cleanse and exfoliation. It also comes with a blackhead tip that applies just the right amount of pressure to properly extract them. Start by incorporating this into your skincare routine once per week to reap the benefits.
A smart gadget for your skin does exist...in the form of a USB-charged handheld blackhead vacuum. The Amazon reviews are in, and this one's up with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. You can control everything from this little LCD screen, like adjustable suction levels, battery status and the operation process. It's a mighty but gentle machine that sucks out stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, and zits.
If your pores are crying to be cleaned from a fun night that resulted in you sleeping in your makeup, or just excess grime and build-up, reach for this three-in-one. It's a multitasking device that cleanses, moisturizes, and lifts the skin in three different modes using vibrations. Use the cleansing mode for up to five minutes to refresh your pores, the moisturizing mode for 10 minutes to speed up product absorption into the skin, and the lift mode for 10 minutes to firm up the skin.
This device is actually the miniature version of the beloved Microderm GLO—an entry-level version without some of its add-ons (and its hefty price tag). With hundreds of five-star reviews, fans gush that this tool can replace costly in-office treatments, though some note that they wish they'd splurged on the full-size version.
For under $25, this hefty tool has high-frequency vibration and several modes to serve specific ailments. Along with its cleanse and lift mode, it also has an Ion+ and Ion- setting. Ion+ lifts unwanted oil and build-up from environmental elements. Ion- allows a deeper product penetration, so save your favorite serum for this. It also tightens sagging skin and promotes blood circulation for an extra plumped face.
This cute device comes from celebrity-loved brand Skin Gym, which specializes in tools that de-puff and firm your skin, so you know you can trust it. "I've noticed the difference in my clogged pores & thus a reduction of acne," one reviewer wrote. "I also feel like my serums etc. were able to penetrate my pores better."
Get a deep clean with this skincare tool. The well-reviewed product offers three different powerful suction levels, and the LED screen makes it easy for you to select what you want. It gets to work removing everything from blackheads and whiteheads to dead skin and grease, leaving you fresh-faced.
If you’re looking for a low-cost way to deep clean your skin right from your own home, check out this under-$20 device. This handy tool will get the job done and help you achieve a healthy-looking complexion. It comes with five heads, and a few focus on unclogging pores, while another is for gentle exfoliation, and the final one is for skin firming.
This two-in-one device has both sonic microdermabrasion and pore extraction systems that’ll help you get the firmer, radiant, and clean skin you desire. It includes a built-in micronized mister, three diamond microdermabrasion treatment heads, and three pore extraction tips. You can keep the device charged and ready to go on your bathroom counter, thanks to the wireless charging cradle.
See your pores up close with this device’s built-in camera, which allows you to enlarge the surface of your skin by up to 20 times. Between the camera, six heads, and three suction power modes, you can thoroughly clean your skin.
There’s a lot to love about this multi-purpose tool—it cleans your complexion, helps to apply serum, and lifts your skin. Use the device to remove dirt and oil from your pores, then apply your favorite serum or moisturizer, and the Sonic Skim will press the products further into your skin. Finally, select the lifting function to lift and tighten your skin.
For under $20, you get a lot from this device. Not only does it give you three vacuum modes, five suction tips, and extra blackhead removal tools, but it also offers a warm compress function. Before you get to work cleaning your skin, you can use the hot mode to open up your pores and make the vacuum process more effective.

Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
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